42 pages • 1 hour read
Eric HofferThe True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1951A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements by Eric Hoffer explores why ordinary individuals join mass movements and become fervent followers of perceived holy causes, focusing on the intense personal frustration that drives them to surrender their individuality for a collective cause. Hoffer argues that the specific doctrines of mass movements are less relevant than their capacity to offer true believers an escape from a dissatisfying self and a sense of communal purpose and self-sacrifice.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Eric Hoffer's The True Believer is often praised for its keen insights into the psychology of mass movements, with readers finding its analysis of fanaticism and ideological commitment particularly relevant. Some criticize its occasional generalizations and lack of empirical rigor, but its thought-provoking content remains a standout.
Who Should Read The True Believer?
A reader who enjoys The True Believer by Eric Hoffer is typically interested in psychology, social movements, and mass appeal ideologies. They likely appreciate the analytical depth found in works like Hannah Arendt's The Origins of Totalitarianism or George Orwell's 1984. This reader seeks to understand what drives collective human behavior and societal changes.